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The Clinging Vine 



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ss 



The Clinging Vine 



A Comedy in One Act 



By 

RACHEL BAKER GALE 



NOTE 

The acting rights of this play are strictly reserved. Performance may 
be given by amateurs on payment to the author of a royalty of five dol- 
lars ($5.00) for each performance. Correspondence on this subject 
should be addressed to Mrs. John E. Gale in care of the publishers. 
The professional stage rights are also strictly reserved, and performance 
by professional actors, given in advertised places of amusement and for 
profit, are forbidden. Persons who may wish to produce this play 
publicly and professionally should apply to the author, as above. 



BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 
1913 



The Clinging Vine 



CHARACTERS 

[In the order of their appearance') 






members. 



Bridget, the janitor. 

Mrs. Spencer, president. 

Mrs. Anthony, secretary. 

Mrs. Smith, 

Mrs. Brown, 

Mrs. Beadle, 

Mrs. Luce, 

Mrs. Jenkins, 

Miss Lucretia Briggs, 

Miss Amanda Simpkins, 

Mrs. Fielding, 

[And as many more members as are wanted, according to 
size of stage. ) 
Susan Peabody, lawyer for the club. 
Priscilla Dane, lawyer for the defense. 
Mrs. Redding. 
Melissa Johnson. 
Anita Smith. 

Scene — The club room of the Bartonville Woman's Club. 



Plays Forty Minutes. 




Copyright, 191 3, by Rachel Baker Gale 
As author and prop? ietor 

All rights reserved 



TMP92-009311 
S>CI.D 34381 



The Clinging Vine 



SCENE. — The club room of the Bartonville Woman's Club. 

{Discovered, Bridget standing behind president 1 s desk which 
is at back centre of room, slightly raised ; she is reading 
addresses of letters.) 

Brid. {reading). Mrs. Spincer, president, — Mrs. Scott-An- 
thony, secretary, — MissLucretia Briggs, — Mrs. Jones. {Throws 
them down on desk.) Divil a man in the bunch ! This is a 
woman's club house all right. Ivery blissed minute av the day 
there's a maytin' in wan room or another. It's women to right 
av us, women to the left av us, and women in front av us, fightin' 
for fraydom ! (Sighs and walks about stage l., arranging sev- 
eral chairs for the members.) Shure ! I fought for fraydom 
myself five years ago, and it's a hard toime I've had av itiver 
since. It's mighty clever I thought I was to give up the care 
of the childer to Mike, and me goin' out into the wuhrold and 
bein' indepindent. It's niver satisfied we are. It's back to 
the old toimes I'd like to be, and if it's the truth we be afther 
learnin', ivery blissed wan of these foine ladies here would be 
say in' the same. (Crosses to behind table which is in front of 
desk. There should be two chairs behind it for the laivyers ; 
upon the table is a loaf of bread, a man's shirt, and an infant 1 s 
bonnet ; Brid. picks up loaf of bread.) It's afthernoon tay 
they must be plannin' to have. Wan loaf av bread ! Will ! 
for twinty sthrong-minded women I call it mighty poor pickin'. 

( Crosses to R. , and arranges chairs on that side. ) 

Enter Mrs. Spencer up c, at right of desk, and goes to her 
desk. 

Mrs. Spen. Good -afternoon, Bridget. 
Brid. Good-afthernoon, Mrs. Spincer. It's a foine day yees 
has for your maytin'. 



4 



THE CLINGING VINE 



Mrs. Spen. Yes, and it is a very important one. 
{Looks over her mail.') 

Brid. Faith ! They all seem to be that. 

Mrs. Spen. Mrs. Redding will be in the anteroom. You 
need not announce her. I will ring. 

Brid. Very will, mum. If yees don't moind my sayin' it, 
I hope yees haven't anything unplisant up your slave for Mrs. 
Redding. 

Mrs. Spen. Only justice, Bridget. 

Brid. {going up stage to exit). Will, it's a foine lady she 
is, anyhow. 

Enter Mrs. Anthony. 

Mrs. A. Good-afternoon, Bridget. 

Brid. The same to you, mum. [Exit. 

Mrs. A. Any mail for me, Mrs. Spencer ? 

{Stops before desk.) 

Mrs. Spen. {giving her several letters'). As usual, the 
lion's share. 

Mrs. A. {who has crossed to desk or table at the left of 
president, sitting). We will probably have a very full 
meeting. 

Mrs. Spen. Yes. I shall be glad when this unpleasant 
business is over. 

Mrs. A. Rather serious business to expel a member. 

Mrs. Spen. We must be very careful. 

Enter Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Brown. Mrs. Smith is a very 
strong-minded person, Mrs. Brown very gentle and 
modest. 

Mrs. Smith {as she enters). I call it scandalous. 

Mrs. Brown {eagerly). Do you think she will be expelled ? 

{They have co?ne down near front of stage.) 

Mrs. Smith. I hope so. The club has done nothing but 
dilly-dally over this case for a whole year, and I am tired of it. 
They are all afraid to speak their minds. Thank heaven ! I 
am not. 

Mrs. Brown {speaking admiringly). You do not seem to 
be afraid of anything, Mrs. Smith. 



THE CLINGING VINE C 

Mrs. Smith {tossing her head). Hm ! I should say not. 

{They go up stage and talk with Mrs. A. ; other members 
begin to arrive, tzuo together and some atone. — They 
should not all co?ne at o?ice — -take plenty of time for it. — 
Some speak to the president, others join those who are in 
front — they are all talking together, and their voices 
should be gradually raised — they do not pay any attention 
to Mrs. Spen., who uses gavel and tries to bring them to 
order — after the third attempt she succeeds — they separate, 
and stand either side, looking at president.) 

Mrs. Spen. The club will please come to order. Before 
taking your accustomed places, I would like to say that those 
in favor of the expulsion of Mrs. Redding from this club will 
please sit on my left. Those opposed, on the right. (The 
members, with the exception of Mrs. Smith, who makes Mrs. 
Brown go with her to the left, show indecision. Finally the 
majority go to the left. Mrs. Jenkins stands in centre unde- 
cided.) Mrs. Jenkins, you seem to be undecided. 

Mrs. J. I want to be sure that I am right, Madam President. 

Mrs. Smith. Better join us. The strong-minded ones are 
over here. You do not seem to have any mind of your own, 
and you may need some of ours. 

Mrs. J. Are you sure that you are on the right side, Mrs. 
Smith? 

Mrs. Smith. There isn't any doubt about it. 

(Mrs. J. still hesitates, and starts for one side and then the 
other.) 

Mrs. Spen. You must decide one way or the other, Mrs. 
Jenkins. 

Mrs. J. Oh, if Mr. Jenkins were only here to tell me what 
to do. 

Mrs. Smith. Hm ! "Mr. Jenkins!" You are a weak 
party. Come over here. 

{The ladies on the other side try to have her join them. 
Mrs. Smith stands and points to chair beside her, and 
finally Mus. J. takes it. Mrs. Smith shows her satis- 
faction.) 

Mrs. Spen. {bringing club to order). The secretary will 
read the minutes of the last meeting. 



6 THE CLINGING VINE 

Mrs. A. (rising and reading report"). There was a very 
small attendance at the last meeting owing to a previous en- 
gagement of most of the members. (With meaning.) Mrs. 
Jones-Beadle gave an auction bridge on that day. 

Mrs. Beadle {who sits o?i one of the front seats on the 
right, rising). Madam President, I think it very bad taste in 
our secretary to make a minute of my card party. {Spitefully.) 
If she had received an invitation there would have been one 
less at the meeting. 

{The two ivomen glare at one another, a?id Mrs. Beadle 
shoivs her indignation as she sits.) 

Mrs. Spen. (with dignity). The secretary will continue 
reading the report. 

Mrs. A. The Municipal League was formed to improve the 
general conditions of the streets and byways of Bartonville. 
Also to investigate the farms in the outlying districts. Mrs. 
Beadle, Mrs. Jenkins and Miss Lucretia Briggs as committee. 
Mrs. Beadle, chairman. 

Mrs. Spen. (rising). Has the chairman of the committee 
on the future improvements of the streets and byways of Bar- 
tonville anything to report? 

Mrs. Beadle (rising). Madam President, we have made 
a beginning by attacking the forms on the outskirts of the town. 
We were present at the evening milking of Mr. Wright's cows, 
and we found a practical demonstration of the cleansing of the 
pails and cans quite necessary. In fact, we, ourselves, washed 
them, but I must confess that our efforts were not appreciated. 
The language used by Mr. Wright would be unfit for me to re- 
peat to this club, which is the acme of culture and refinement. 
(Applause from the members, which Mrs. Beadle acknowl- 
edges.) He gave us a very cool reception, and even made a 
threat that if we ever stepped foot into his barn again, he would 
have us tarred and feathered. 

Miss Lucretia Briggs (sitting on the same side, rising). I 
should call the promise of a coat of tar and feathers a very warm 
reception. (Members laugh.) 

Mrs. Beadle (annoyed, glaring at Lucretia). I have 
nothing further to report at present. (Sits.) 

Mrs. A. (resuming report). A committee of three with 
Mrs. Luce as chairman was appointed to investigate the Satur- 
day night entertainments for the men at their club. 

Mrs. Spen. Is Mrs. Luce ready with her report? 



THE CLINGING VINE 7 

Mrs. Luce (on the left, rising). Madam President (speak- 
ing very convincingly), I wish to make the following report : 
Nine-tenths of the men of this town spend their Saturday nights 
at the club instead of devoting themselves to their families ; 
wasting their weekly allowances on cigarettes and cigars ; fill- 
ing their ears with gossip, and their lungs with the fumes of 
stale tobacco ; feasting on steamed clams ; ruining their diges- 
tion, and (severely) in consequence, their Sunday morning dis- 
positions. 

Mrs. Beadle. Yes, that is true. 

Mrs. L. Ladies of the Bartonville Woman's Club, why ! 
why ! should men neglect their wives on Saturday nights ? 
This is not equal suffrage ! 

Members. No ! No ! 

Mrs. L. Why must a woman, just because she is a woman, 
a fond wife and mother suffer the pangs of loneliness — I repeat, 
— suffer the pangs of loneliness on Saturday nights between the 
hours of eight and twelve ? 

Mrs. J. That is what I want to know. 

(Bursts into tears.) 

Mrs. Spen. (severely). Mrs. Jenkins, you forget yourself. 

Mrs. J. (rising, still crying). Madam President, it is be- 
cause I do not forget that I — I s-speak. 

Mrs. Spen. This is not the time or place for weakness. 
Control yourself. 

Mrs. J. I— I'll try to. 

(Sits still sobbing ; gradually regains composure.) 

Mrs. Smith. Do as I do. Keep your husband so busy at 
home evenings that he can't get out. Try it. 

Miss Amanda Simpkins (a very pri?n old maid ivho sits on 
the left next to Mrs. Smith, rising). Madam President, I 
should like to make a motion. That some restraint be put upon 
the men. Let them have only two Saturday nights of each 
month for the club. The remaining two to be devoted to the 
women. 

Lucretia (rising). I second the motion. 

Mrs. Spen. The motion has been made and seconded that 
the men of Bartonville shall be deprived of their freedom two 
Saturday evenings of each month. Those in favor please rise. 
(All the members rise with great decision.) Contrary minded ? 



8 THE CLINGING VINE 

{Members have resumed their seats. ) It is a vote. I appoint 
Mrs. Fielding, Miss Judith Evans and Miss Lucretia Briggs as 
a committee to put this motion into effect at once. 

Miss S. (rising). Madam President, I object to Lucretia 
Briggs being on that committee. I know her ways ; I have had 
experience. She will make her peace with the men by inviting 
them all to her house on the nights that belong to us. 

Lucretia. Indeed, Miss Simpkins, perhaps you would like 
to be on that committee yourself. ( With sarcasm.) You are 
so attractive. 

Miss S. (rising). What do you mean, Miss Briggs ? 

Lucretia (rising). I mean that you are jealous of me. 

Miss S. Hm ! " Jealous " ! It would take more than you 
to make me jealous. 

Lucretia (they have come together in centre of stage facing 
one another). Indeed, Miss Simpkins ! 

Miss S. Indeed ! 

Mrs. Spen. (using gavel). Ladies! You forget yourselves. 
(Miss S. and Lucretia resume their seats, both showing great 
indignation.) If there is no further business to come before the 
club, I have an important matter to bring before this meeting. 
(Women all talk together. Mrs. Spen. uses gavel two or three 
times before she can bring them to order.) I regret to say that 
there is, as you all know, rebellion, deep-rooted rebellion in this 
club. 

Mrs. Smith. I should say so. 

Mrs. Spen. One of our members, a former president, once 
a leader, has grown weak and vacillating. She no longer lives 
up to the laws and by-laws of this club. ( Women talk together. 
Mrs. Spen. brings them to order.) We will now consider the 
case of Mrs. Redding. 

Mrs. Fielding (entering hurriedly and tripping over rug). 
I beg your pardon, Madam President, for being so late, but was 
delayed at our Progressive Club luncheon. Rushed home for 
a moment, and just as I was leaving the house if Mr. Fielding 
did not ask me to hunt for his golf balls ! Men are so incon- 
siderate. 

Mrs. Beadle (who speaks with a high voice). That's so ! 

Mrs. F. I haven't any time to hunt for golf balls. 

(Speaks with contempt.) 

Mrs. Smith. I should say not. 

Mrs. F. (looking about). Why ! The members seem to 



THE CLINGING VINE 9 

be divided. Has there been any trouble? I hope that I have 
not missed anything. 

Mrs. Spen. Mrs. Redding's expulsion from the club is 
under consideration, Mrs. Fielding. Those in favor are on my 
left. Those opposed, on my right. 

Mrs. F. Dear me ! We haven't time for such serious 
business. Well, it is one of my principles to be on the right 
side if possible. {Looks about and suddenly makes up her 
mind.) I shall sit here. 

(Takes seat at right. There should be two rozas of chairs. 
Mrs. Beadle up stage ; Mrs. F., chair left for Melissa 
Johnson, and Lucretia on the end.) 

Mrs. Spen. As we wish to treat this case with justice, I 
have engaged the services of two of the ablest lawyers of this 
town. {Presses supposed electric button on desk. Enter 
Brid.) We are ready for Miss Peabody and Miss Dane. 

Brid. Yis, mum. If it's not mishtaken I am, it's wan av 
thim what has a moind av her own, but (smiling) it's the ither 
wan what can have me. [Exit. 

Mrs. Spen. Remember, ladies, justice must overcome 
prejudice. 

Mrs. Smith (rising). Madam President, this club has not 
shown any backbone in this matter. I hope that they will have 
the courage of their convictions this time. 

Mrs. Spen. (with sarcasm). We certainly have a good ex- 
ample in you, Mrs. Smith. 

Mrs. Smith. Well ! When I know a thing, I know it. 

(Brid. throws open door and Susan Peabody enters. She 
is a strofig-minded young woman, dressed in mannish 
fashion and wears spectacles ; carries lawyer' s green cloth 
bag filled with papers.) 

Mrs. Spen. Ladies, allow me to present Miss Peabody for 
the club. (Susan acknowledges and takes her seat behind table 
at left of it. Members are very much interested. Priscilla 
Dane enters, a veiy attractive young woman, dressed hi stylish 
tailored suit ; carries her papers in leather brief-case. Brid. 
looks at her admiringly.) Ladies, Miss Dane, for the defense. 
( Members on the right show great interest — Puis, seated at right 
of table; beside her should be a chair for Mrs. Redding.) 
Miss Peabody and Miss Dane, we have called you here to help 
us to decide a very important question. One of our members, 



10 THE CLINGING VINE 

a former president, has broken her vows to support the princi- 
ples, which make for this club its high standard of progress 
and equal suffrage. 

Susan (rising). Madam President and members of the 
Bartonville Woman's Club, I feel greatly honored to be called 
upon by you to cooperate with our able friend Miss Dane. 
(Pris. bows acknowledgment.) It is a very serious problem 
which confronts you. In these days when we are daily — I 
might say every hour gaining new recruits for the support of 
equal suffrage to have a member fail to support so noble a cause. 
I repeat — a very serious problem. I should like to hear the 
laws and by-laws of this organization. (Sits.) 

Mrs. Spen. The secretary will read the rules and regula- 
tions. 

Mrs. A. (rising and ' reading from book). Whoever becomes 
a member of the Bartonville Woman's Club must repress all 
feminine ideals which do not lead toward the emancipation of 
women. 

Susan (fiodding her head — very important). Good! Very 
good ! 

Mrs. A. (continuing). She must rise above the homely 
duties of domestic life and travel upon the broad highway to 
accomplish great and noble deeds. To be no longer the slave 
of the needle, but the pen. No longer the slave of man. To 
hold public office ; to vote, and when she does vote to know 
whether she is a Republican or a Democrat. 

Susan. Excellent ! Excellent ! Thank you. 

Pris. (rising). Madam President, as I am here for the de- 
fense, I should like to see my client. 

Mrs. Spen. Certainly, Miss Dane. (Rings bell.) Mrs. 
Redding is waiting in the anteroom. (Brid. enters.) Tell 
Mrs. Redding that we would like to see her. 

Brid. Yis, mum — I mane, Madam Prisident. (Exit Brid. 
Susan and Pris. talk together; also members. Mrs. Spen. calls 
them to order and Mrs. Redding enters, followed by Brid. ; 
the former is young and attractive and stylishly dressed. Brid. , 
aside to Mrs. R.) Kape up your courage, darlint. They can't 
hold a candle to yees. (Stands by door listening?) 

Mrs. Spen. Please be seated, Mrs. Redding. 

Mrs. R. (holding her head very high). Thank you, I pre- 
fer to stand. 

Mrs. Spen. Mrs. Redding, when you been me a member of 
this club, you pledged yourself to observe its rules and regula- 



THE CLINGING VINE II 

tions. You were a leader among us. An honored president. 
{Turns a?id sees Brid.) That will do, Bridget. (Brid. does 
not move.) That will do, Bridget. {Exit Brid., reluctantly.) 
You have deliberately turned your back upon what this club 
stands for. 

Mrs. R. Of what am I accused ? 

Mrs. Spen. You have failed to attend our meetings and 
by your presence spur on our members to great and noble 
deeds. You have returned to the drudgery of domestic life. 
You have been known to sew, to brew, to bake. You have 
made a loaf of bread, your child a bonnet, {contemptuously) 
and your husband a shirt. 

Mrs. R. What proof of this degrading work ? 

Mrs. Smith {rising and pointing). Right there on that 
table. 

Mrs. R. {with spirit). Indeed ! And is it the lofty prin- 
ciples of this club for one member to spy upon another ? 

Susan {rising). One moment, please. I should like to ask 
the defendant a few questions. Mrs. Redding, how long have 
you been a member of this club ? 

Mrs. R. Five years. 

Susan. Once president ? 

Mrs. R. Yes. 

Susan. How long since you have attended these meetings ? 

Mrs. R. One year. 

Susan. What is your reason for this lack of interest ? 

Pris. {rising quickly). Madam President, I object. 

Susan. A simple question clothed in simple words, Miss 
Dane. 

Pris. It is the naked truth we are after. Find out from 
your deductions why Mrs. Redding has lost interest in this 
club. {Sits.) 

Susan. Oh, very well, Miss Dane. {To Mrs. R.) You 
have a family? 

Mrs. R. I have. 

Susan. How many husbands ? {Members laugh. Susan 
annoyed.) I — I mean children ? 

Mrs. R. Three children {with emphasis) and one husband. 

Susan. When you became a member of this club you 
agreed to stand by the rules and regulations ? 

Mrs. R. I did. 

Susan. That you would no longer be a slave to the duties 
of domestic life ? 



12 THE CLINGING VINE 

Mrs. R. Yes. 

Susan. To be no longer the slave of the needle or of man ? 
Mrs. R. I did. 

Susan. Thank you. That is all at present. (Mrs. R. sits 
by Pris.) Madam President 

(Brid. a?id Melissa heard outside.) 

Brid. Yees can't go in. 

Mel. What foh I cyan't gvvine in ? 

Brid. It's a private may tin'. It's a woman's club. 

Mel. (throwing open door a?id entering, followed by Brid., 
who tries to hold her back. Mel. tvears print dress, kerchief, 
bandanna on head; uses cane; slightly lame). I'se a woman, 
if 1 is a colored lady. 

Brid. Come out av here. 

Mel. I'se come to be wid ma Miss Jane. 

Mrs. Spen. Bridget, show this person out at once. 

Mel. {indignantly). I ain't no "pusson" ! I'se jest a 
'spectable colored lady. 

Mrs. Spen. Bridget, do as I tell you. 

Brid. (coaxingly). Come along with me. The loikes av 
yees ain't wanted here. 

Mel. (pushing her away). Doan't youse be obstructin' 
me. (To Mrs. R.) Miss Jane, dese yere people knows I 
belongs to you. 

(Pris. and Mrs. R. talk together.) 

Pris. (rising). Madam President, we would like to have 
this woman remain. 

Susan (rising). Madam President, I object. The prose- 
cution has no witnesses. 

Pris. (rising). I beg to differ with Miss Peabody. She has 
more than half of the Bartonville Woman's Club on her side. 

Mrs. Spen. I cannot see any objection to the woman re- 
maining. She may stay, Bridget. 

Mel. (exultantly, to Brid.). Youse jest go lose youself. 
I'se gvvine to stay. I'se a bery 'portant witness. 

(Takes her seat in front row, on r.) 

Brid. Will, it's none av my affairs. [Exit. 

Susan (rising). Madam President and members of the 

Bartonville Woman's Club, upon this table are three articles 



THE CLINGING VINE 13 

which we believe will prove that Mrs. Redding has violated the 
laws of this club. {Holds up the different articles in turn.) 
Exhibit A — an infant's cap. You will note that it is of excel- 
lent shape and beautifully made. The stitches are uniform, 
and show an experienced hand. {Sternly.) The woman who 
made this cap has made others. This is not ha first offense. 

Mrs. Smith. H'm ! I should say not. 

Susan {taking up shirt). Exhibit B — a man's shirt. Al- 
most a lost art in the family circle. To make a shirt like this 
would consume many hours, — aye, days. Now, ladies, the 
woman who made this shirt must have neglected the duties of 
this club. Instead of marching on the broad highway with her 
banner unfurled, she has sat within the narrow confines of her 
own home and plied the needle, not the pen. {Takes up loaf 
of bread.) Exhibit C— this loaf of bread. A perfect loaf of 
bread. It is light bread. {Breaks open the loaf.) Very light 
bread. How much better that the woman who used her muscle 
for the kneading of that bread should have— metaphorically 
speaking— used it to break down the barriers that stand between 
woman and her well deserved rights. {Applause from members 
on the left. ) Ladies, I thank you. Madam President, since 
we have with us a witness for the defense, I should like to ask 
her a few questions. 

Mrs. Spen. The witness for the defense please rise. 

(Mrs. R. motions for Mel. to rise.) 

Mel. Does dat 'spression supply to me? 

Mrs. R. Yes, Melissa. 

Mel. H'm ! I ain't no witness on de fence. I'se square 
on de ground, I is. (Mrs. R. motions for her to stand.) Is 
I to rise up ? 

(Mrs. R. nods assent; Mel. stands.) 

Susan. What is your name, my good woman? 

Mel. Melissa Johnson ; {with meaning) but to ma friends, 
I'se jest Melissa. 

Susan. How old are you, Melissa? 

Mel. (with dignity). Melissa Johnson, if you please. 

Susan. Very well, Melissa Johnson. How old are you ? 

Mel. I doan't know 'zactly, miss, but I reckon I'se de age 
when one woman ain't keen 'bout tellin' it to another. 

(Members laugh.) 



14 THE CLINGING VINE 

Susan. Oh, I see ! Uncertain age. 

Mel. "Uncertain age" ! {Puzzled.) I doan't know what 
dat age really is maself, but dat's what it am if you say so. 
Youse seems to know. 

{Members laugh.) 

Susan. How long have you known Mrs. Redding ? 

Mel. For de land's sake ! How long have I known ma 
Miss Jane? Eber since she war born. (Indignant.) Long 
'nuff to know dat whatever ma Miss Jane do am all right. 
What youse tryin' for to do? Ma Miss Jane ain't done 
nuffin' to be 'shamed of. She am a lamb, a white lamb. She 
ain't no black sheep. 

Susan (holding up cap). Have you ever seen this before? 

Mel. No. Dat ain't no propriety ob our house. 

Susan {holding up shirt). And this? 

Mel. Huh ! Dat shirt ! Dat ain't Massa Redding's size. 
If he done see dat shirt he'd say — "For de land's sake ! Who 
done shrunken ma shirt like dat? " 

Susan. This shirt is too small ? 

Mel. It sure am. Why, he am dat big dat when de laun- 
dress made subjections to de washin' ob such large shirts he 
am said, " I ain't gwine to wear any smaller shirts dan what fit 
me for nobody." Dose am his bery words. — Dat is, most ob 
his words. 

Susan {holding up bread). And this? 

Mel. Huh ! Dat am bread. De walkin' stick ob life. 

Susan. That will do. 

(Mel. sits.) 
Pris. {rising). Madam President, according to Melissa- 



( To Mel. ) I beg your pardon. I mean Melissa Johnson. 

Mel. No appleoligies needed, miss, kase you seems to be a 
friend ob the family. 

Pris. Thank you, Melissa. There seems to be a doubt 
about these exhibits being the property of Mrs. Redding. 

Mrs. Smith. Of course they belong to her. 

Mrs. R. {rising). What right has Mrs. Smith to make 
such a statement ? 

Mel. Yas, dat's what we all want to know. 

{Members try to pull her down.) 
Mrs. Spen. Silence. 



THE CLINGING VINE 1 5 

Mel. But Missus President, we doan't bab no baby in our 
house. Dat ain't de kind ob shirt we am a-wearin', {with 
contempt ) an' dat ain't our kind ob bread. 

Mrs. Spen. Melissa Johnson, if you do not stop talking 
you shall leave the room. 

Mel. But Missus President 

Mrs. Spen. {sternly). That will do, Melissa. 

Mel. Well, I jest knows 

Mrs. Spen. Stop talking. (Mel. mumbles to herself.) 
Do you hear me ? Stop talking. 

Mel. I ain't talking. I'se jest soliloquizing on de subject 
to maself. Dat's all. 

Enter Brid. 

Brid. Madam Prisident, the maytin' in the nixt room 
objects to the maytin' in this wan, on account av the noise yees 
be afther makin'. \_Exit. 

Susan {rising). Mrs. Redding, did you make this cap? 

Pris. (rising quickly). Madam President, I object. At 
the opening of this session Miss Peabody made the statement 
that " There are three articles upon this table which we believe 
will prove that Mrs. Redding violated the laws of this club." 
{Folds her arms. ) Now, let her prove it. 

Mel. {rising). Yas, dat's what we am a lookin' for. De 
proof. 

{Members pull her down.) 

Susan. I should like to ask Mrs. Smith a few questions. 
(Mrs. Smith rises.) Mrs. Smith, you made the statement 
that these articles belonged to Mrs. Redding. 

Mrs. Smith. I did. 

Pris. {rising quickly). Did you see Mrs. Smith make this 
loaf of bread ? This shirt ? This cap ? 

Mrs. Smith. I have seen her sewing on just such articles, 
and I have seen her making bread. 

Mrs. L. So have I. {Members on the same side.) And I. 

Mrs. Spen. {using gavel). Silence! 

Enter Brid. 

Brid. The prisident in the nixt room says if yees don't 
sthop makin' so much noise, she'll have yees all arristed for 
dishirbin' the pace. Shure ! yees was all right before tin- lady 
wid color was let in. 



l6 THE CLINGING VINE 

Mel. (rising). What you done call me? A " lady wid 
color"? I jest wants youse to know dat I'se got Virginia 
blood in ma veins, I has. 

Brid. Will ! Ould Ireland blood is good enough for me. 

Mel. (contemptuously). Huh ! 

Mrs. Spen. Bridget, leave this room at once and do not 
enter it again. 

Brid. Faith, an' it's obligin' I'd loike to be, but if the other 
prisidents sind me here it's my business to come. I'd be losin' 
my extra tips if I didn't treat yees all alike. If yees would be 
afther a-lettin' me sthay, I'd not throuble yees by comin' in. 

Mrs. A. Not a bad idea, Madam President. 

Mrs. Spen. Very well, Bridget, you may stay ; but not a 
word, remember. 

Brid. If I sphake I'll not open me lips. (Stands by door.) 

Pris. (rising). Mrs. Smith, did you see Mrs. Redding 
make this cap? (Mrs. Smith rises but does not answer.) 
Did you see Mrs. Redding make this cap? 

Mrs. Smith {reluctantly). N-no. 

Pris. Did you see Mrs. Redding make this shirt ? (Same 
business.) Did you see Mrs. Redding make this shirt? 

Mrs. Smith. N-no. 

Pris. This loaf of bread ? (Pounds on table.) This loaf 
of bread ? 

Mrs. Smith. N-no. 

Pris. That will do. (Mrs. Smith sits.) Madam Presi- 
dent and members of the Bartonville Woman's Club, Mrs. 
Smith asserts that these articles are the property of Mrs. Red- 
ding, and yet she confesses that she did not see her make 
them. 

Susan (rising quickly). It is not necessary that Mrs. Smith 
should have seen Mrs. Redding making them. 

Pris. I beg your pardon. I think it is. 

Susan. Mrs. Smith is a lady of integrity. 

Pris. I have my doubts. 

Mrs. Smith. Do you mean to tell me before my face and 
eyes that I am not speaking the truth ? 

Pris. If you assert that Mrs. Redding made these articles 
without your seeing them, I do. 

Susan. Miss Dane, you forget yourself. 

Pris. I do not forget that one of the members of this club 
is either justly or unjustly accused, and for the truth (pounding 
on table) I shall fight — fight to the bitter end. 



THE CLINGING VINE 1 7 

( Women on right applaud. Knock on wall.) 

Brid. Whist ! The other prisident. 

Puis., Mrs. Redding, did you make these articles ? 

Mrs. R. I did not. 

Mel. Ain't dat what I done tole you? {Points to Mrs. 
Smith.) I 'spec's dat de lady wid de green feather on her hat 
done make dem herself. 

{Members pull her down.) 

Pris. Thank you, Melissa, for the idea. Mrs. Smith, did 
you make this bread ? 

Mrs. Smith {with a sweeping gesture). My work is on the 
broad highway. 

{Knocks off hat of Miss S., who sits beside her.) 

Miss S. {furious, after she has picked up the hat, jamming 
it down on her head). I wish you would stay there. 
Pris. Do you not sew ? 
Mrs. Smith. I have no time for such menial labors. 

{Knock at door— Brid. opens it and Anita Smith, a small 
girl of twelve, enters. She looks neglected. ) 

Anita {to Brid.). Is my ma here? 

Brid. Faith ! There's a whole bunch of mas. — Which 
wan is it ? 

Anita. My ma is Mrs. Smith. 

Brid. Oh ! She's here, all right. 

Anita {ru?ming down and looking at the members— finally 
discovering Mrs. Smith and running over to her). Oh, ma ! 
Pa wants to know where the new shirt is that you made for 
him ! 

Mrs. Smith {shaking her). Keep still. 

Anita. Why, ma? 

Mrs. Smith. Because I tell you to. 

Anita. But ma, pa says that he can't go to the Elks to- 
night without it. 

Mrs. Smith {still shaking her). Will you be quiet? 

Anita. Why, ma? 

Mrs. Smith {rising and pushing Anita up stage). You go 
straight home and tell your father that he can't go anywhere until 
I get there. 



1 8 THE CLINGING VINE 

Pris. (detaining her). One moment, please, Madam Presi- 
dent ; we seem to have a new witness for the defense. I should 
like to question her. 

Mrs. Smith (tvho is up stage near door with Anita). I 
object. This is no place for a child. 

Pris. {taking hold of Anita). One moment, Mrs. Smith. 

Mrs. Smith. This is my child. 

Pris. And my witness. (Brings Anita to fro?it of table. 
Anita stands in front of it, furtively watching her mother, 
who stands at back of stage. ) How old are you, little girl ? 

Anita. Twelve. 

Pris. (holding up cap). Have you ever seen this before? 

Anita. Oh, yes! {Looks at her mother.) It looks like 
the one our baby wears. 

Pris. This loaf of bread ? 

Anita. Oh (Looks at her ??wther.) It looks like 

our bread. (Breaks off a piece and crowds it into her mouth.) 
It tastes like it, too. 

Pris. (holding up shirt). And this shirt? 

Anita (grasping shirt eagerly). Oh, yes. (Looks at her 
mother ; begins to cry.) It looks like the one pa is waiting for. 

Pris. So, Mrs. Smith ! Guilty of what you accuse others. 

Susan. Madam President, a child of such tender years 
should not be allowed on the witness stand. Her testimony 
should not be accepted. 

Pris. Children and fools speak the truth, and that is what 
we want. It is very evident that there is some one in this room 
who is not telling it. 

Susan. Madam President, I object to the language of the 
counsel for the defense. 

Lucretia. Madam President, I should like to ask Mrs. 
Smith a question. 

Mrs. Spen. Certainly, Miss Briggs. 

Lucretia. Mrs. Smith, did you bring these articles here ? 

Mrs. Smith (defiantly). I did. 

Lucretia. Why ? 

Mrs. Smith (coming doivn front). For one whole year the 
influence of Mrs. Redding's lack of interest has been felt and 
is doing a great deal of harm to this club. This matter had to 
be stirred up, and I was the only one who had the backbone to 
do it. If I have made a cap, a shirt and a loaf of bread, I 
have not neglected the club. Suppose that every member did 
not attend for a whole year. What would become of your 



THE CLINGING VINE 



*9 



Municipal League? I can take care of my family, and the 
club, too. 

Pris. Yes, this child looks it. 

Mrs. Smith. I will not stay here another moment to be in- 
sulted. {Pulls Anita a?ul swings her around.) 

Anita (crying). Ma, pa wants that shirt. 

Mrs. Smith. You'll get something that you don't want 
when I get you home. (Pushes her up stage.) 

Anita {as they exeunt). But, ma. 

Mrs. Beadle (rising). I move that Mrs. Smith be ex- 
pelled from this club. 

Lucretia. I second that motion. 

Mrs. R. (rising). One moment, Madam President. I 
believe that Mrs. Smith did not realize what she was doing. 
She has the interest of the club so at heart that we must forgive 
her for using such severe measures. It is very evident that this 
meeting has been called to vote upon my expulsion from the 
club. No votes will be necessary. I resign. 

Members. No. No. 

Mrs. R. But before doing so, I would like to say a few 
words. I do sew, I do bake bread, and I have made my hus- 
band a shirt. 

Mrs. J. (bursting into tears). So have I. 

Susan (contemptuously). The clinging vine. 

Mrs. R. (with spirit). Yes, the clinging vine, and I glory 
in it. For five years I neglected my family for the principles 
of this club, and what was the result ? An unattractive home 
and an unhappy husband. I have learned that the broad high- 
way is not the place for woman or her noble deeds. 

(Members on the right applaud.) 

Susan. Madam President, Mrs. Redding has admitted her 
guilt. She has failed in her duties as a member of this club. 
Instead of enrolling her name on the scroll of fame, instead of 
standing strong and upright like the sturdy oak, she has be- 
come the weak and clinging vine, and you will be perfectly jus- 
tified in accepting her resignation. 

Pris. One moment, Madam President. My illustrious op- 
ponent, Miss Peabody, speaks scathingly of the clinging vine. 

Susan. I do. 

Pris. May I ask what is your definition of the term ? 

Susan. Just what the name implies. Too weak to stand 
alone. 



20 THE CLINGING VINE 

Pris. And do you call it weak for a woman to care for her 
husband and children ? 

Susan. I do, when she is called to larger fields of action. 

Pris. Who calls her? 

Susan. If these are your theories, why are you a lawyer, 
Miss Dane? 

Pris. Because I have my daily bread to earn (takijig up loaf 
of bread) , and I only wish that I could always be sure of as 
good bread as this. Members of the Bartonville Woman's 
Club, Miss Peabody has already called your attention to this 
cap — that it is beautifully made and shows a skilled hand in 
needle-craft. Does this cap mean only that ? Does it not stand 
for something more than that ? Is it not a beautiful illustration 
of a mother's tender care? The thoughtfulness of a mother's 
love ? This loaf of bread ? Does it not show the solicitude of 
a good housewife for the welfare of her husband and children ? 
This bread is not carelessly put together to ruin their health 
and digestion. No, not at all, my friends. Time and care 
have been put into its making. Can a woman battle with the 
wrongs of a nation on the broad highway and make good bread 
at the same time? No, my friends, no! This shirt — what 
more beautiful or ennobling sight than to see a fond husband, 
aye, and a proud one, too, wearing a shirt that his wife has 
made for him. No matter if the neck-band is too small, or the 
buttonholes too large, he suffers in silence, proud in the posses- 
sion of what my friend on my left has been pleased to call " the 
clinging vine." 

{Applause.') 

Susan. Why do you not live up to these principles and 
become a clinging vine yourself? 

Pris. Because {sweetly'), like yourself, I am still waiting — 
waiting. 

{Members laugh.) 

Susan. Oh, indeed ! 

Brid. Faith ! It's blind in both eyes some man must be. 
Mrs. Spen. Bridget ! 

Brid. I beg pardon, Mrs. Prisident. It sphake for itself. 
Mrs. Spen. Let us hear from some of the members. 
Mrs. Beadle (rising). I move that Mrs. Smith be ex- 
pelled from this club. 

Women (on right, standing). Second the motion. 



THE CLINGING VINE 21 

Susan. One moment. Mrs. Smith's child did not say that 
these articles were the property of her mother but looked like 
it. Mrs. Smith's zeal for the welfare of this club made her re- 
sort to drastic measures, I admit, but where would this club be 
if every member remained at home to sew and bake? What 
would become of your Municipal League ? Your protection 
of the rights of women? The future prosperity of your 
country ? 

{Applause frotn Members, on the left.) 

Pris. (risi?ig). Mrs. Smith has admitted that she has made 
these articles. That they are well made proves that it is the 
natural instinct of a wife and mother to give loving care to her 
husband and children. To travel on the " broad highway " 
is but a fleeting fancy, which in time will lose its allurement. 
Madam President and members of the Bartonville Woman's 
Club, while you are attending these meetings, while you are 
investigating the conditions of the outlying districts, when you 
vote at the polls, who takes care of your children ? Are they 
sent to school with faces and hands properly washed ? their 
hair brushed and with buttons on their shoes ? I fear not ; 
and what is the result? That some woman, whose name I 
may not divulge, some "clinging vine 11 as my esteemed col- 
league has been pleased to call it, has felt this condition so 
keenly, that at her own expense, she is about to erect an edifice 
for the neglected children of this town where they can be cared 
for while their mothers are busy with the welfare of the nation. 
Let women vote, I say ! but let it be home and children first. 

{Applause.) 

Mel. {rising). Missus President, I would jest like to 
speak. 

Mrs. Spen. Very well, Melissa. 

Mel. I kin tell youse de name 

Mrs. R. Melissa. 

Mel. But, Miss Jane, I must speak 

Mrs. R. Not one word. 

Mel. But I cyant jest hold it in, I must. 

Pris. If Melissa Johnson has any information, pray let her 
speak. 

Mel. Yas, I has de 'formation an' it am 'portant, too. If 
de ladies ob dis yere club think dat ma Miss Jane ain't doin' 



22 THE CLINGING VINE 

nuffin dese yere days — ain't doin' her duty to de world, I jest 
wants to tell 'em dat she am de pusson what am gwine to build 
de place for de little indignant chillun. 

Mrs. Spen. Is this true ? 

Mel. It am de gospel truth. 

Mrs. Spen. Mrs. Redding, you make us blush with shame. 

Mel. Yas, youse jest better gat way down to de ground. 

Mrs. R. {rising). Since Melissa has given my secret away, 
I must admit the truth of her statement. There are so many 
neglected children in this town, I am determined to make their 
welfare my life-work. 

(Applause.} 

Mrs. Beadle {rising). I move that all accusations be re- 
moved. 

Miss S. (rising). Second the motion. 

Mrs. Spen. It is moved and seconded that Mis. Redding 
stands free from all accusations. Those in favor, please rise. 
{All stand.) It is a rising vote. (All sit.) 

Mrs. R. Ladies, I thank you, but since I have retired from 
active service in this club, I find the new life so much more 
worth while, so much more satisfactory, I prefer to continue in 
it, and insist that my resignation be accepted. 

Mrs. Spen. But Mrs. Redding, we regret this unfortunate 
affair. 

Mrs. R. I believe that you do, but that is my decision. 
Miss Dane, I thank you for your very able efforts in my behalf. 
Ladies, good-afternoon. [Exit, with dignity. 

Mel. (rising and going up stage, turning before exit) . Dat' s 
ma 'pinion too. We am dat busy we ain't got no time for de 
frivolities ob dis yere club. [Exit. 

Brid. Shine, she is so full av pride, I wonder if she'll hould 
together. [Exit. 

Lucretia. Madam President, 1 believe that Mrs. Redding 
is right. We have neglected our homes. Unconsciously per- 
haps, with no real intention of neglect. As our interests in the 
outside world have increased, we have had no time for the 
home life. 

Mrs. Beadle. I agree with Miss Briggs. I should like to 
spend more time at home. 

Mrs. J. (wistfully). So should I. 

Lucretia. Why cannot we still be interested in the welfare 
of our town but with moderation ? 



THE CLINGING VINE 



23 



Miss S. I move that "moderation" be our new watch- 
word. 

Mrs. L. I second the motion. 

Mrs. Spen. It is moved and seconded that we devote more 
time to the domestic life and to the town affairs with modera- 
tion. Let it be a rising vote. 

(All rise.) 

Lucretia. What about Mrs. Smith? 

Mrs. Spen. Well, if it had not been for her determination 
to get to the truth of this affair, we might still be harboring un- 
pleasant thoughts of Mrs. Redding. Let bygones be bygones. 
We met together to pass judgment upon one who by her inde- 
pendence of thought and action has turned the tide in the 
affairs of this club. May it prove a blessing in disguise. 

Brid. (entering, very excited). Beg your pardon, Madam 
Prisident, for interruptin' the maytin', but Mr. Smith is outside 
a-takin' on terribly. He has come for his shirt an' says if he 
don't be afther a-havin' it, he'll come in an' break up the 
maytin' : — only it's a much sthronger way he has av sayin' it. 

Mrs. Spen. Give it to him at once, Bridget. 

(Pris. gives shirt to Brid.) 

Brid. (holding up shirt). An' to think that wan small shirt 
co'ld be afther a-makin' so much throuble. [Exit. 

Mrs. Spen. Miss Peabody and Miss Dane, your arguments 
have been convincing. In behalf of the Bartonville Woman's 
Club, I thank you. 

Susan (rising, acknowledging it ; has her papers in her 
hands). Madam President (with sarcasm), I hope that this 
" clinging vine " theory will succeed. 

Pris. (who is also gathering up her papers). It must, Miss 
Peabody, for it is woman's true calling. It is a great thing to 
count in the moulding of a nation, but a greater — to perfect 
the home. 



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Harry Harcourt, his profligate son. 
Dick Randall, who seeks his fortune. 
Tom Busby, a traveling merchant. 
Amanda Armstrong, Josiah' s wife. 
Nellie Armstrong, driven from ho?ne. 
Laura Armstrong, a poor, weak sinner. 
Mrs. Barnaby Strutt, the Colonel's wife. 
" Junior," adopted daughter of the Strutts. 

SYNOPSIS 
Act I. — Living-room of Armstrong's home. Spring, 
Act II. — Garden in front of Armstrong's home. Summer 
Act III.— Same as Act I. Winter. 

THE SPEED LIMIT 

A Sketch in Two Scenes 
By Ernest M. Gould 
Five males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, unnecessary. Plays twenty 
minutes. A good-natured and effective skit on automobiling, very funny 
and very easy to get up. It requires no scenery or stage, but can be done 
on a platform just as well. Its fun is extravagant, but it is otherwise 
suited for school performance. Price, ij cents 

"WILLIAM" 

A Farce in One Act 

By W. C. Barter 

Two males, two females. Costumes, modern ; scene, an interior. 

Plays twenty minutes. A brisk little piece of the vaudeville order, easy 

and full of laughs. All three parts are good ; strongly recommended. 

Price is cents 



New Farces 



THE ELOPEMENT OF ELLEN 
A Farce Comedy in Three Acts 

By Marie J, Warren 

Four males, three females. Costumes modern ; scenery, one interior and 

me exterior. Plays an hour and a half. A bright and ingenious little 

play, admirably suited for amateur acting. Written lor and originally; 

produced by Wellesley College girls. Strongly recommended, 

Price^ 2$ cents 

TOMMY'S WIFE 

A Farce in Three Acts 

By Marie J. Warren 

l"hree males, five females. Costumes modern ; scenery, two interior*. 

Plays an hour and a half. Originally produced by students of Wellesley 

College. A very original and entertaining play, distinguished by abun 

dant humor. An unusually clever piece, strongly recommended. 

Price, 25 cents 

ALL CHARLEY'S FAULT 
An Original Farce in Two Acts 

By Anthony E. Witts 
Six males, three females. Scenery, an easy interior; costumes modern 
Plays two hours. A very lively and laughable piece, full of action and 
admirably adapted fot amateur performance. Dutch and Negro comedy 
characters. Plays very rapidly with lots of incident and not a dull mo 
ment. Free for amateurs, but professional stage rights are reserved by 
the author. Strongly recommended. 

Price, 15 cents 

OUT OF TOWN 
A Comedy in Three Acts 

By Beti Elliot Palmer 
Three males, five females. Scene, an interior, the same for all three 
acts ; costumes modern. Plays an hour and a half, A clever and inter 
^sting comedy, very easy to produce and recommended for amateur per 
formance. Tone high and atmosphere refined. All the parts good. A 
safe piece for a fastidious audience, as its theme and treatment are alike 
beyond reproach. 

Price, 2$ cent* 



New Books of Dialogues 



THE CHILDREN'S VAUDEVILLE 

An Entertainment in Six Parts 

By Willis N. Bugbee 

For a large number of children of from six to twelve years of age. 
Offers a simple vaudeville show comprising an overture and six acts, each 
L en minutes long. Easy, bright and pretty. Strongly recommended. 
Price, <?j cents 

CONTENTS 

Overture Juvenile Orchestra, 

PART I. — The Dumpling Brothers 

Comedy Acrobats. 
PART II.— Master Willie and Miss Susie Hopper 

Monologisls. 
PART III.— The Top-Notch Dancers 

Novelty Dance ; — The Sweet Surprises. 
PART IV. — The Lilliputian Concert Company. 

Song Hits, — The Sufi" ring Gents, etc, 
PART V.— The Edna May Booth Company 

Sketch, — Room for One More. 
PART VI. — Lillian Henry and Russell Irving 

Illustrated Story,— Mrs. Grundy s Calendar. 

DANDY DIALOGUES FOR CHRISTMAS 

By Harriet Wilbur, and others 
Eleven pretty and effective dialogues appropriate to Christmas, well 
varied in length and character to suit all circumstances. Containing • 
A Christmas Dinner, Holly and Mistletoe, Father Christmas, Santa Claus 
{Monologue), Offerings of the Year, Christmas Capers, Return of Mother 
Goose, Fairy Steeplecrown, Santa Claus at Home, Santa Claus the First, 
Bachelor's Christmas. 190 pages. 

Price, 25 cents 

BAKER'S PATRIOTIC DIALOGUES 

For All Grades 

By Edward D. Holmes 

A collection of school dialogues based upon well-known and popuia? 

incidents of American history. Six dialogues of various lengths, from five 

to thirty minutes, historically accurate as well as dramatic and patriotic, s& 

follows : 

The Boston Tea- Party. Our Nation's Birthday. 

The Capture of the British Sentinel The Evacuation of Boston 

at Stony Point General Gage and the Boston Boys. 

The Capture of Major Andre. * 

Price, 2< cents 



JL W» Pinero's Plays 

Price, 50 Cents €acb 

MID fHANNFI Play in Four Acts ' Six males, five females. 
lTllLf'*v>Ilr\lilliLiLi Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. 
Plays two and a half hours. 

THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH 5r a SffiK 

males, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery, all interiors. 
Plays a full evening. 

TMF PROFIIfATF Fl^y in Four Acts. Seven males, five 
i I 1L. I I\V/r LilUrt. I Ei females. Scenery, three interiors, rather 
elaborate ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

TUP QPUnni MIQTDFCQ Farce in Three Acts. Nine males, 
inEi airHJUL.l7lIdlI\E.3d seven females. Costumes, mod- 
ern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY %gF2E?jgi 

females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a 
full evening. 

^JWFFT T AVFNHFR Comedy in Three Acts. Seven males, 
OVYEiEil Li-tt. V£illL/£.£v four females. Scene, a single interior, 
costumes, modern. Plays a fuil evening. 

TUP THITWnFDRniT Comedy in Four Acts. Ten males, 
inEi lriUllUTiIvDULl ni„e females. Scenery, three interi- 
ors; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

THF TIMF^ Comedy in Four Acts. Six males, seven females. 
1 IlCi 1 UTlEiij Scene, a single interior; costumes, modern. Plays 
a full evening. 

THF WFAKTR <51FY Comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, 
IrlJu YY Ei/UVJuIV u£iA eight females. Costumes, modern; 
scenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. 

A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE SSK&JtffiSAS 

Costumes, modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. 



Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

Salter & Pafeer & Company 

No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



decent ^opulat 




016 103 337 6 



THP AWAKFNINfi Pla y in Four Acts - B ? °- H - chambers. 

lllLi Ail t\n.LiLWL\\l Your males, six females. Scenery, not difti- 
cult, chiefly interiors ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 
Pi-ice, 50 Cents. 

THE FRUITS OF ENLIGHTENMENT 8?i&5wp3^& 

one males, eleven females. Scenery, characteristic interiors ; cos- 
tumes, modern. Plays a full evening. Recommended for reading 
clubs. Price, 25 Cents. 

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR SJ-SE&SSKf^tfS 

males, three females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, one interior. 
Acting rights reserved. Time, a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 

AW IHPAT HIKRANT) Comedy in Four Acts. By Oscar Wilde. 
All lVL,t\L< llUJUiMMf Nine males, six females. Costumes, mod- 
ern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. Acting rights 
reserved. Sold for reading. Price, 50 Cents. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING. EARNEST SS e £ ££• 

Wilde. Five males, four females. Costumes, modern ; scenes, two 
interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. Acting rights re- 
served. Price, 50 Cents. 

LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN ^v}£2*Sk 1 Sfi S 

males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full 
evening. Acting rights reserved. Price, 50 Cents. 

NATHAN HAT F pla > T in Four Acts - B y Clyde Fitch. Fifteen 
liAllliUi IlaL/lv males, four females. Costumes of the eighteenth 
century in America. Scenery, four interiors and two exteriors. Act- 
ing rights reserved. Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 

mftTHPR FPTTftW Comedy in Three Acts. By M. B. Horxe. 
U111LH lLLiL,\fVI si x males, four females. Scenery, two 
interiors ; costumes, modern. Professional stage rights reserved. 
Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 

THE TYRANNY OF TEARS 8Stt.Kt&,?iS £ 

males. Scenery, an interior and an exterior; costumes, modern. 
Acting rights reserved. Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 

A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE 822S££?&&KLfi: 

seven females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors and an 
exterior. Plays a full evening. Stage rights reserved. Offered for 
reading only. Price, 50 Cents. 



Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

Salter ^ TBafcer & Company 

No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 

6. J. PARK.HILL & CO., PRINTERS, BOSTON- 



